Plant Research Research Articles

Early Career Researchers advocate for raising the profile of bryophyte ecological research

Bryophyte research is severely underrepresented compared to vascular plant research, even though we know that bryophytes are crucial components of ecosystems and contribute significantly to ecosystem functions and processes, and thus to ecosystem services. This underrepresentation creates many hurdles and barriers that Early Career Researchers (ECRs) must first overcome to establish in this field, which significantly hinders research now and in the future. Therefore, this work deals with the future of bryophyte research, and bryophyte ecology in particular, which is reflected in the perspectives of ECRs in this scientific field. By listing the many barriers that bryophyte researchers and especially ECRs face, including underrepresentation, funding and publishing, but also possible solutions, we want to raise awareness for and advocate to raise the profile of bryophyte research. We here identify multiple barriers that bryophyte-focused ECRs face and what is needed to overcome them. We address different structural and institutional levels, ranging from early education in schools to academia, funding and publishing. Raising the profile of bryophyte research works on many different levels simultaneously. To improve the prospects of bryophytes and thus increase scientific interest in, and ultimately understanding of, this important group of plants, we need to raise awareness now.

Single-cell transcriptomics: a new frontier in plant biotechnology research.

Single-cell transcriptomic techniques have ushered in a new era in plant biology, enabling detailed analysis of gene expression at the resolution of individual cells. This review delves into the transformative impact of these technologies on our understanding of plant development and their far-reaching implications for plant biotechnology. We present a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, emphasizing their application in elucidating complex cellular processes and developmental pathways in plants. By dissecting the heterogeneity of cell populations, single-cell technologies offer unparalleled insights into the intricate regulatory networks governing plant growth, differentiation, and response to environmental stimuli. This review covers the spectrum of single-cell approaches, from pioneering techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to emerging methodologies that enhance resolution and accuracy. In addition to showcasing the technological innovations, we address the challenges and limitations associated with single-cell transcriptomics in plants. These include issues related to sample preparation, cell isolation, data complexity, and computational analysis. We propose strategies to mitigate these challenges, such as optimizing protocols for protoplast isolation, improving computational tools for data integration, and developing robust pipelines for data interpretation. Furthermore, we explore the practical applications of single-cell transcriptomics in plant biotechnology. These applications span from improving crop traits through precise genetic modifications to enhancing our understanding of plant-microbe interactions. The review also touches on the potential for single-cell approaches to accelerate breeding programs and contribute to sustainable agriculture. This review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future impact of single-cell technologies in plant research. We foresee these tools becoming essential in plant biotechnology, spurring innovations that tackle global challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, providing a roadmap from sample preparation to data analysis and highlighting the transformative potential of single-cell transcriptomics in plant biotechnology.

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. in Ethnopharmacology: Pharmacognosy, Safety, and Drug Development Perspectives

Phaleria macrocarpa, a medicinal plant from the Thymelaceae family, is predominantly found in Malaysia and Indonesia. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects of P. macrocarpa, along with modern approaches and safety concerns. Data for the review were collected from various scientific databases and relevant literature on P. macrocarpa. The review discusses the plant's phytochemical composition and its diverse medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiulcer, antiviral and anticancer activities. P. macrocarpa has also been used to treat various female health conditions. Additionally, combination therapies and advanced drug delivery systems such as nanoemulsion have been reviewed. These pharmacological activities are attributed to the plant's phytoconstituents. The review will be valuable for researchers involved in medicinal plant research and drug discovery, offering potential for use alongside modern therapeutic agents. However, clinical studies are essential to validate its therapeutic applications. Further research is required to develop standardized herbal pharmaceuticals from P. macrocarpa that are effective, safe, and meet regulatory standards for quality assurance.

Transcription factors in tanshinones: Emerging mechanisms of transcriptional regulation

Transcription factors play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of tanshinones, which are significant secondary metabolites derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen. These compounds have extensive pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. This review delves into the roles of various transcription factor families, such as APETALA2/ethylene response factor, basic helix-loop-helix, myeloblastosis, basic leucine zipper, and WRKY domain-binding protein, in regulating the biosynthetic pathways of tanshinones. We discuss the emerging mechanisms by which these transcription factors influence the synthesis of tanshinones, both positively and negatively, by directly regulating gene expression or forming complex regulatory networks. Additionally, the review highlights the potential applications of these insights in enhancing tanshinone production through genetic and metabolic engineering, setting the stage for future advancements in medicinal plant research.

The genus Paris: a fascinating resource for medicinal and botanical studies

Abstract The genus Paris, comprising a series of distinctive medicinal plants, has been utilized globally for its therapeutic properties over centuries. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that secondary metabolites from Paris species exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anticancer, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and other effects. Additionally, the unique morphological traits and large genome size of Paris species have continuously captivated the interest of botanists and horticulturalists. Nonetheless, the conservation of wild Paris populations is threatened due to the lengthy reproductive cycle and overexploitation, posing considerable challenges to their development and sustainable use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, historical medicinal uses, pharmacological effects and toxicity evaluation of secondary metabolites in Paris species. It also covers the molecular biological research conducted on the genus Paris and proposes key research questions and important directions for future solutions. We advocate for the expansion and implementation of multi-omics approaches, as well as molecular and genetic technologies recently advanced in model plant research, to intensively study Paris species. This will facilitate the comprehensive understanding of gene function and molecular mechanisms underlying specialized metabolite formation in Paris.

Genetic Basis of Tillering Angle from Other Plants to Wheat: Current Progress and Future Perspectives.

Plant architecture is an important agronomic trait that impacts crop yield. The tiller angle is a critical aspect of the plant's structural organization, which is influenced by both internal and external factors. The genetic mechanisms underlying the tiller angle have been extensively investigated in other plants. However, research on wheat is relatively limited. Additionally, mechanics has emerged as a connection between biochemical signaling and the development of three-dimensional biological forms. It not only reveals how physical interactions at the cellular level influence overall morphogenesis but also elucidates the interplay between these mechanical processes and molecular signaling pathways that collectively determine plant morphology. This review examines the recent advancements in the study of tillering angle in wheat and other plants. It discusses progress in research ranging from observable characteristics to the regulation of genes, as well as the physiological and biochemical aspects, and the adaptability to environmental factors. In addition, this review also discusses the effects of mechanical on plant growth and development, and provides ideas for the study of mechanical regulation mechanism of tillering angle in wheat. Consequently, based on the research of other plants and combined with the genetic and mechanical principles, this approach offers novel insights and methodologies for studying tillering in wheat. This interdisciplinary research framework not only enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying wheat growth and development but may also uncover the critical factors that regulate tillering angle, thereby providing a scientific foundation for improving wheat yield and adaptability.

Research Overview and Development of Impatiens L.: A Bibliometric Analysis (1987–2023)

Impatiens L. plants have a variety of flower colors, abundant flowers, and unique flower types, which have high ornamental and medicinal value. This paper utilized CiteSpace (version 6.2.R4) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) software to analyze documents related to Impatiens L. research from 1987 to 2023, sourced from the Web of Science database (WOS) and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Bibliometric analyses were conducted to explore the literature potential of Impatiens L. research, revealing publication volume, discipline distribution, major research institutions and researchers, research hotspots, and research trends. The results indicated a consistent increase in articles published on Impatiens L., with the United States, China, and India as the primary research countries. The research direction predominantly focused on plant science, ecology, and horticulture, with universities and research institutes being the main contributors. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and Florida State University were identified as having the most published articles and a strong influence. Research on Impatiens L. primarily focused on investigating new species, phenotypic plasticity, biodiversity, and systematic classification. Future efforts should emphasize the investigation and protection of Impatiens L. resources, conduct in-depth research on the plant’s active components, innovate breeding technology, and explore the biological characteristics and ecological role of Impatiens L. through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Rootstock effect on growth, branch morphology and flowering precocity of young monoaxis and biaxis trees of ‘Scilate’ and ‘Fuji supreme’ apple cultivars

ABSTRACT The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research has developed three semi-dwarfing apple rootstocks: PFR2, 4 and 5 with pest and disease resistance/tolerance. Nursery performance and flowering of ‘Scilate' and ‘Fuji Supreme' grafted onto PFR rootstocks and grown as monoaxis or biaxis trees were evaluated in comparison with ‘Malling 9' (dwarf) and ‘G.202' (semi-dwarf) at Hawkes' Bay research centre. For monoaxis ‘Scilate' trees, PFR rootstocks promoted primary, axillary and total shoot length/scion by (11–15%), (54–76%) and (22–37%), respectively compared with ‘M.9', but the same were lower by (4–11%), (25–62%) and (17–42%) compared with ‘G.202'. On PFR2 and PFR5, ‘Scilate' produced 6 axillary shoots/tree, compared with ‘M.9' (4) and ‘G.202' (7). ‘Scilate' on PFR2, 4 and 5 produced 74%, 62% and 93% of axillary shoots with moderate (30°–45°) crotch angle compared with ‘M.9' (30%) and ‘G.202' (79%). On biaxis trees, the total shoot length was higher on PFR2, 4 and 5 compared with ‘M.9', but not different from ‘G.202'. Flowering precocity was not affected by rootstocks. Overall, PFR2, 4, 5 and ‘G.202’ produced high-grade young trees expressing greater potential for early canopy development.

Oviposition Preferences of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Response to Various Potential Repellent and Attractant Plants.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major polyphagous pest that mainly feeds on maize and other cash crops. Understanding S. frugiperda's behavior on different host plants facilitates the development of effective integrated pest management (IPM) plans. Therefore, this study investigated the oviposition preferences of S. frugiperda females among different host plants using no-choice, two-choice, and multiple-choice bioassays. In no-choice bioassays, para grass, Urochloa mutica (Forssk.) (Poales: Poaceae); maize, Zea mays (L.) (Poales: Poaceae); and napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum (Schumach) (Poales: Poaceae) were identified as highly attractive, while sweet sorghum, Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) (Poales: Poaceae); sunhemp, Crotalaria juncea (L.) (Fabales:Fabacea); Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum (L.) (Fabales:Fabacea); desmodium, Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) (Fabales:Fabacea); natal grass, melinis repens (Zizka) (Poales: Poaceae); molasses grass, Melinis minutiflora (P.Beauv.) (Poales: Poaceae); and mung bean, Vigna radiata (R. wilczek) (Fabales: Fabaceae) exhibited reduced oviposition effects. Two-choice bioassays revealed different levels of attractiveness and repellency among different plant combinations. In multiple-choice bioassays, mimicking an intercropping scenario, differences in the number of eggs and egg mass were observed for M:S:D:W (maize, sunhemp, desmodium, and cage wall), S:D:M:W (sunhemp, desmodium, maize, and cage wall), and D:M:S:W (desmodium, maize, sunhemp, and cage wall). This study provides insights into the egg-laying preferences of S. frugiperda females among different host plants, valuable for the management of S. frugiperda. This encourages further research and further identification of novel repellent and attractant host plants, which will ultimately contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly crop production practices and techniques.

Artificial intelligence (AI): A powerful tool for advancing plant study and research

Artificial intelligence (AI): A powerful tool for advancing plant study and research

Moringa oleifera and its Secondary Metabolites: Chemistry, Properties and Antidiabetic Potentiality

Abstract: Secondary metabolites present in different natural resources possess multiple biological activities. Diabetes is one of the leading disease all over the world in current time, and higher in numbersthan the deadliest cancer disease. According to the WHO about 422 million people are suffering from diabetes and most of them are even unaware that they are living with the condition. In recent times research in natural medicinal plants has achieved a great success in the management of different diseases and disorders. Moringa oleifera is one of the most common medicinal and nutritious plant among the family of moringaceae, found in almost all over India. The tree with it's almost every edible part makes it a versatile natural medicinal source. The secondary metabolites present within it make this plant a rich biological resource. Among various classes of secondary metabolites alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, sterols etc. are present in moringa tree. The principle potent compound responsible for emerging antidiabetic property of Moringa is 4-(α-Lrhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate. In this review we summarise specifically the antidiabetic activity of this multipurpose natural plant and it's phytochemistry. Since ancient times this plant has been used as anti-diabetic agent in sub continental regions. Mostly phytoconstituents obtained from leaves are responsible for its outstanding antidiabetic property. Research on antidiabetic property of M. oleifera by different scientists proved that Moringa is one of the finest natural medicinal plants in the management of diabetes with least toxicity.

The data acquisition system of phenoPET

The PET scanner phenoPET is a system dedicated for plant research developed and used for phenotyping studies at the Research Center in Jülich.The detectors consist of LYSO scintillators and Philips digital silicon photomultipliers.A central processing board collects their data and transfers them through a USB-3 connection to the data acquisition server.The USB-3 restricts the maximum output rate to 380 MB/s, which requires controlled data dropping on the board in order to allow measurements with activities that would exceed this limit.Presently we are developing a new readout system that will eliminate this bottleneck.We will replace the USB-3 by a fiber optics link with a maximum data rate of 2 GB/s.In addition, the new central board will provide an embedded operation system (PetaLinux) that has direct access to the hardware interfaces for configuration and monitoring of the detector modules.This will allow the control software to run directly on the board.

GWAS for identification of genomic regions and candidate genes in vegetable crops.

Genome-wide association Studies (GWAS), initially developed for human genetics, have been highly effective in plant research, particularly for vegetable crops. GWAS is a robust tool for identifying genes associated with key traits such as yield, nutritional value, disease resistance, adaptability, and bioactive compound biosynthesis. Unlike traditional methods, GWAS does not require prior biological knowledge and can accurately pinpoint loci, minimizing false positives. The process involves developing a diverse panel, rigorous phenotyping and genotyping, and sophisticated statistical analysis using various models and software tools. By scanning the entire genome, GWAS identifies specific loci or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to target traits. When a causal SNP variant is not directly genotyped, GWAS identifies SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the causal variant, mapping the genetic interval. The method begins with careful panel selection, phenotyping, and genotyping, controlling for environmental effects and utilizing Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). High-correlation, high-heritability traits are prioritized. Various genotyping methods address confounders like population structure and kinship. Bonferroni correction (BC) prevents false positives, and significant associations are shown in Manhattan plots. Candidate genes are identified through LD analysis and fine mapping, followed by functional validation. GWAS offers critical insights for enhancing vegetable crop breeding efficiency and precision, driving breakthroughs through advanced methods.

Methods to optimize optical sensing of biotic plant stress – combined effects of hyperspectral imaging at night and spatial binning

In spatio-temporal plant monitoring, optical sensing (including hyperspectral imaging), is being deployed to, non-invasively, detect and diagnose plant responses to abiotic and biotic stressors. Early and accurate detection and diagnosis of stressors are key objectives. Level of radiometric repeatability of optical sensing data and ability to accurately detect and diagnose biotic stress are inversely correlated. Accordingly, it may be argued that one of the most significant frontiers and challenges regarding widespread adoption of optical sensing in plant research and crop production hinges on methods to maximize radiometric repeatability. In this study, we acquired hyperspectral optical sensing data at noon and midnight from soybean (Glycine max) and coleus wizard velvet red (Solenostemon scutellarioides) plants with/without experimentally infestation of two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). We addressed three questions related to optimization of radiometric repeatability: (1) are reflectance-based plant responses affected by time of optical sensing? (2) if so, are plant responses to two-spotted spider mite infestations (biotic stressor) more pronounced at midnight versus at noon? (3) Is detection of biotic stress enhanced by spatial binning (smoothing) of hyperspectral imaging data? Results from this study provide insight into calculations of radiometric repeatability. Results strongly support claims that acquisition of optical sensing data to detect and characterize stress responses by plants to detect biotic stressors should be performed at night. Moreover, the combination of midnight imaging and spatial binning increased classification accuracies with 29% and 31% for soybean and coleus, respectively. Practical implications of these findings are discussed. Study results are relevant to virtually all applications of optical sensing to detect and diagnose abiotic and biotic stress responses by plants in both controlled environments and in outdoor crop production systems.

Research Progress of Single-Cell Transcriptome Sequencing Technology in Plants

Multicellular organisms exhibit inherent cellular heterogeneity that cannot be captured by traditional high-throughput sequencing techniques, resulting in the unique cellular characteristics of individual cells being neglected. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology can be used to determine the gene expression levels of each individual cell, facilitating the study of intercellular expression heterogeneity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development and applications of scRNA-seq technology in plant research. We highlight the significance of integrating single-cell multi-omics approaches to achieve a holistic understanding of plant systems. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and future research directions for scRNA-seq technology in plant studies, aiming to offer valuable insights for its application across various plant species.

CRISPR/Cas system-mediated base editing in crops: recent developments and future prospects.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome-editing system has altered plant research by allowing for targeted genome alteration, and they are emerging as powerful tools for evaluating plant gene function and improving crop yield. Even though CRISPR/Cas9 cleavage and subsequent repair are effective ways to precisely replace genes and change base pairs in plants, the dominance of the non-homologous end-joining pathway (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair's (HDR) poor effectiveness in plant cells have restricted their use. Base editing is gaining popularity as a potential alternative to HDR or NHEJ-mediated replacement, allowing for precise changes in the plant genome via programmed conversion of a single base to another without the need for a donor repair template or double-stranded breaks. In this review, we primarily present the mechanisms of base-editing system, including their distinct types such as DNA base editors (cytidine base editor and adenine base editor) and RNA base editors discovered so far. Next, we outline the current potential applications of the base-editing system for crop improvements. Finally, we discuss the limitations and potential future directions of the base-editing system in terms of improving crop quality. We hope that this review will enable the researcher to gain knowledge about base-editing tools and their potential applications in crop improvement.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A MULTI-CHAMBER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM

Growth chambers are control devices used in plant research. However, their high costs limit their application to a single environment, which compromises their efficiency for the generation of experimental data. The objective of this research was to design, construct, and assess the performance of a multi-chamber environmental control system capable of regulating both air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH). The evaluation was carried out using Syngonium podophyllum Schott plants. Three constant target temperature values (18, 23, and 40 °C) were established, together with a target RH value of 60 %. AT and RH data were recorded every 4 min for three days. The system was built with 15 growth chambers and the following devices: output (AT, RH, and lighting control), input (sensors), and central control managed by two Arduino® Mega 2560 based microcontrollers, plus a programmable logic controller. Programming was done in open-source languages such as Arduino® and Python®. Results indicate that the absolute error (AE) and standard deviation (SD) in AT were higher when the target temperature was lower (AE = 0.59 °C and SD = 0.93 °C) compared to the other higher target temperatures (AE = 0.31 °C and SD = 0.43 °C at 23 °C, and AE = 0.25 °C and SD = 0.51 °C at 40 °C). On the other hand, the AE in RH increased as temperature increased, going from AE = 3.75 % and SD = 5.12 % at 18 °C, to AE = 9.23 % and SD = 10.77 % at 40 °C. The use of open-source technologies allowed the construction of a multi-chamber environmental control system capable of replicating controlled environments.

KPCA-based fault detection and diagnosis model for the chemical and volume control system in nuclear power plants

To study the fault intelligent detection and diagnosis method of nuclear power plant systems and improve the detection and diagnosis effect of internal fault of nuclear power plant Chemical and Volume control System (CVS), this study presents an intelligent Fault Detection and Diagnosis model for the Chemical and Volume control System (FDD-CVS) in nuclear power plants (NPPs). The model is based on failure mode and effects analysis of the CVS system and is implemented by combining kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) with decision tree and support vector machine (SVM). FDD-CVS can rapidly and visually recognize faults in CVS based on independent time-point system parameters, and it is capable of diagnosing fault types and specific fault locations. The model is characterized by clear principles, hierarchical diagnostics, fast diagnostic speed, and visualized results. The model is trained and tested by using the data of the passive nuclear power simulation analyzer. The fault detection rate of FDD-CVS is 96.38%, the false alarm rate is 4.34%, and the average accuracy rate is 98.40%. Overall, the fault monitoring and diagnostic method proposed in this article is innovative and provides valuable references for fault diagnosis research in nuclear power plants.

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in Yunnan Province, China

The traditional medicinal knowledge in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China have been poorly studied. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPvY) is widely cultivated and used as indigenous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat cancer in northwest Yunnan. This study aims to reveal the traditional medicinal knowledge of PPvY and folk formulas related to PPvY through literature research and ethnobotanical investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 highly regarded folk doctors in the northwest of Yunnan, China, based on relevant data collected in the initial phase of the research. We identified twenty-three traditional treatments, thirty pairing herbs used with PPvY in therapy, and eight processing methods of PPvY. The results indicated that PPvY and its associated formulas containing PPvY were primarily used for treating cancer and inflammation and for clearing heat and detoxifying. The TCM herbs most frequently used alongside PPvY included Engleromyces sinensis and Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis. The commonly employed processing methods primarily involved using PPvY in both its dry and fresh forms, while special processing methods, such as processing in wine and honey, steaming, and foil-packet boiling, were worth further research. Our results highlight the diversity of medicinal plants and the richness of traditional medical knowledge in northwest Yunnan, China. This study may offer clues for the development and research of indigenous medicinal plants. Additionally, a collective effort is needed to create a plan for the sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, enhancing local economic development while safeguarding biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge.

Plant Growth Optimization Using Amber Light Supplemented with Different Blue Light Spectra

Blue (400–500 nm) and red (600–700 nm) light regions have been investigated for their effects on photosynthesis and plant growth, yet evidence for specific blue light wavelengths in plant research is lacking. Investigations into amber (595 nm) light are similarly limited. To ‘shed light’ on these two important wavelengths, this study investigated the combined effects of blue and amber light on plant growth and development in two model plants: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Beefsteak) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Breen). Plant growth responses were determined with four light treatments: B+BA (blue + broad amber, 455–602 nm), RB-NA (royal blue + narrow amber, 430–602 nm), RB-BA (royal blue + broad amber, 423–595 nm), and high-pressure sodium at a PPFD of 250 µmol m−2 s−1. After 21 days, the highest fresh and dry mass for both plant species was obtained under the RB-BA light treatment. Shifting the blue wavelength from 430 nm to 455 nm with broad amber lighting led to 40% less fresh mass for tomatoes, whereas only an approximate 5% reduction in fresh mass was observed for lettuce plants. Our findings demonstrate that an alternate and combined blue + amber light spectrum is effective for optimizing plant productivity.